| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1148 | 2011-05-04 | Troop A | ***UPDATE*** Trooper’s Life Saved by Deputies’ Courageous Actions ***UPDATE*** |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent Troop A – News Release
Trooper’s Life Saved by Deputies’ Courageous Actions UPDATE – Senior Trooper Kevin Biddy was released from the hospital this afternoon after being treated for his injuries sustained during the assault on LA 1 this morning. Port Allen – A Louisiana State Trooper is in stable condition in a Baton Rouge hospital after being shot during a traffic stop this morning in West Baton Rouge Parish. Due to the quick response and courageous actions of two West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, the Trooper was not seriously injured or killed and the suspect was apprehended. At approximately 2:30 am this morning, the trooper, patrolling the West Baton Rouge Parish area near Port Allen, conducted a traffic stop on a 2002 Honda Civic on LA 1 north of Interstate 10 in Port Allen. During the traffic stop, the trooper attempted to arrest the driver, William Belniak (W/M, age 20) of Burlington, CT, for DWI. Belniak began to resist and an altercation ensued. During the fight, the trooper managed to call for backup on his portable radio, which was immediately responded to by the Port Allen Police Department and the West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. Belniak broke free, ran back to his vehicle, and retrieved a revolver. The trooper pursued Belniak back to the vehicle and continued to struggle with him. During the struggle for the weapon, Belniak fired a shot, striking the trooper in the head. The trooper fell to the ground as two deputies with the West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office arrived. Deputies were able to return fire as Belniak, who was standing over the trooper, attempted to fire his weapon at the trooper again. The deputies’ rounds struck Belniak in the side and he fell to the ground, at which time they apprehended him. Additional deputies, Port Allen Police officers, and fellow troopers arrived at the scene within minutes of the trooper’s call for help and began to provide emergency medical aid to both the trooper and Belniak while waiting on EMS personnel to arrive. Belniak’s passenger, Samanda Hayes (B/F, age 42) of Baton Rouge, was detained for questioning. “We are extremely thankful to the two deputies who responded and came to the aid of our trooper this morning,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, State Police Superintendent. “Louisiana State Police has developed strong working relationships with local police departments and sheriff’s offices throughout the state. Troopers work side by side with their counterparts in other agencies every day and that working relationship, coupled with excellent training and constant communication is the reason this incident was resolved so quickly. There is no doubt in my mind that these two deputies saved our trooper’s life today.” Belniak remains in the hospital in serious condition and is currently charged with attempted first-degree murder of a police officer, resisting arrest, and DWI. The trooper’s name is expected to be released later today. The case remains under investigation. Contact Information: TFC Russell G. Graham II Public Affairs Unit Louisiana State Police – Troop A Office: (225) 754-8524 russell.graham@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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